West Ham scored two goals in six second-half minutes as they secured a 2-0 victory over Manchester United and moved above Erik ten Hag’s side in the Premier League table.
In a game that struggled for attacking quality, Lucas Paqueta’s sublime pass unlocked the United defence and found Jarrod Bowen, who broke the deadlock with his 11th league goal of the season (72).
A second quickly followed as Mohammed Kudus (76) pounced on an error from Kobbie Mainoo to wrap up all three points for the Hammers as they moved up to sixth and firmly into the hunt for the European places.
Meanwhile, it was another chastening afternoon for United, who dominated possession at the London Stadium but failed to score for a fourth successive match in all competitions.
Ten Hag’s side have now suffered eight league defeats so far this season and sit eighth in the table, six points behind fourth and 11 points behind leaders Arsenal.
Perhaps most damning of all, United have now played 380 minutes of football since they scored their last goal.
How West Ham leapfrogged United…
Mohammed Kudus celebrates after doubling West Ham’s lead against Manchester United
The big news ahead of kick-off was Manchester United’s inclusion of Willy Kambwala for his first senior appearance for the club with Raphael Varane missing the game through illness. All eyes were on the 19-year-old in the opening stages, and he got a good early touch, easing any nerves that may have been there by confidently carrying the ball out of defence.
In some ways it set the tone for the opening stages as United dominated possession without ever really threatening the West Ham goal.
Andre Onana had to be alert as early as the fifth minute to keep out Emerson’s powerful low drive but neither side really threatened a goal until Mohammed Kudus’ loose pass picked out Antony. The winger played Garnacho in behind, but the Argentinean never looked convincing as goalkeeper Alhonse Areola’s block kept the scores level.
From that moment on the game finally came to life. Jonny Evans’ crucial interception denied Kudus a tap in before Areola kept out Kobbie Mainoo’s shot from the edge of the penalty area. In an end-to-end finish to the half Antony’s teasing cross evaded Rasmus Hojlund and Garnacho before Tomas Soucek headed James Ward-Prowse’s cross wide.
The first-half stalemate meant United had gone seven halves of football without a goal.
Into the second-half and West Ham tested Onana again as the United goalkeeper tipped Bowen’s header over the crossbar.
In a similar vein to the first-half, United were enjoying plenty of the ball and were probing around the West Ham penalty area, but a lack of cutting edge in the final third hampered the visitors.
In the end it cost them as Paqueta’s sensational pass with the outside of his boot unlocked the United defence. The Brazilian picked out the run of Bowen, who had a touch of fortune as he bundled the ball home via a ricochet off Onana.
The game was wrapped up six minutes later as West Ham pounced on Mainoo’s error. Paqueta slid the ball through for Kudus, who provided a fine finish as United’s difficult season continued.
Man Utd’s damning stats
Man Utd have lost 13 out of their 26 games this season in all competitions.
They have failed to score in 7 of their 18 games – no team has failed to do so more often in the English Premier League this season.
What’s next?
Tuesday 2nd January 7:00pm
Kick off 7:30pm
West Ham face a London derby against title-chasing Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday; kick-off 8.15pm. The Hammers’ first fixture of 2024 sees them host Brighton on January 2, live on Sky Sports; kick-off 7.30pm.
Saturday 30th December 5:00pm
Kick off 5:30pm
Manchester United are next in action on Boxing Day as they welcome title contenders Aston Villa to Old Trafford; kick-off 8pm. Erik ten Hag’s side then go to Nottingham Forest for their final game of 2023 on December 30, which is live on Sky Sports; kick-off 5.30pm.